Metaphors of Spain: Representations of Spanish National Identity in the Twentieth Century

The history of twentieth-century Spanish nationalism is complex, with regional identities against religious conflict, separatist tensions, and autocratic rule of Francisco Franco. Cultural history can provide essential insights into the subject, with Metaphors of Spain examining Spanish nationalism through its diverse and complementary cultural artifacts.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 296 pages
Publication date: 14 May 2021
Publisher: Berghahn Books

The history of twentieth-century Spanish nationalism is a multifaceted and intricate narrative that intertwines a diverse array of regional identities with the backdrop of religious conflict, separatist tensions, and the autocratic rule of Francisco Franco. While this historical narrative undeniably possesses a political dimension, cultural history offers invaluable insights into the complexities of Spanish nationalism. In order to explore this subject in greater depth, Metaphors of Spain brings together a distinguished group of historians who examine Spanish nationalism through a wide range of cultural artifacts. These artifacts encompass a spectrum of "formal" representations, including the flag, as well as more diffuse expressions such as music, bullfighting, and various other cultural phenomena. By collectively analyzing these diverse cultural expressions, the contributors to Metaphors of Spain aim to present a nuanced and multifaceted understanding of Spanish nationalism. Rather than seeking to define a singular and fixed "essence" of Spanish nationalism, they emphasize the dynamic and evolving nature of this phenomenon. The contributors to Metaphors of Spain explore how Spanish nationalism has been shaped by historical events, social movements, and cultural expressions, and how it has responded to changing political and social contexts. They examine how regional identities have played a crucial role in shaping Spanish nationalism, with each region having its own unique history, traditions, and cultural practices. Moreover, the contributors highlight the role of religion in shaping Spanish nationalism, particularly in the aftermath of the Spanish Civil War and the Franco regime. They explore how religious beliefs and practices have been used to justify political ideologies, promote national unity, and maintain social control. Despite the political nature of Spanish nationalism, cultural history provides a valuable lens through which to understand its complexities and nuances. By examining the cultural artifacts that have shaped Spanish nationalism, historians can gain a deeper appreciation of the historical, social, and cultural factors that have contributed to its development. Moreover, cultural history allows for multiple interpretations and perspectives on Spanish nationalism, as it recognizes the diversity of experiences and perspectives within the Spanish population. In conclusion, the history of twentieth-century Spanish nationalism is a complex and multifaceted narrative that encompasses political, social, and cultural dimensions. By examining Spanish nationalism through the lens of cultural history, Metaphors of Spain offers a valuable contribution to our understanding of this phenomenon. Through a diverse range of cultural artifacts, the contributors to this book provide a nuanced and multifaceted portrayal of Spanish nationalism, highlighting its dynamic and evolving nature, the role of regional identities, and the impact of religion on its development. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of Spanish nationalism and its cultural manifestations.

The history of twentieth-century Spanish nationalism is a complex and multifaceted narrative that intertwines a diverse array of regional identities with the backdrop of religious conflict, separatist tensions, and the autocratic rule of Francisco Franco. While this historical narrative undeniably possesses a political dimension, cultural history offers invaluable insights into the complexities of Spanish nationalism. In order to explore this subject in greater depth, Metaphors of Spain brings together a distinguished group of historians who examine Spanish nationalism through a wide range of cultural artifacts. These artifacts encompass a spectrum of "formal" representations, including the flag, as well as more diffuse expressions such as music, bullfighting, and various other cultural phenomena. By collectively analyzing these diverse cultural expressions, the contributors to Metaphors of Spain aim to present a nuanced and multifaceted understanding of Spanish nationalism. Rather than seeking to define a singular and fixed "essence" of Spanish nationalism, they emphasize the dynamic and evolving nature of this phenomenon. The contributors to Metaphors of Spain explore how Spanish nationalism has been shaped by historical events, social movements, and cultural expressions, and how it has responded to changing political and social contexts. They examine how regional identities have played a crucial role in shaping Spanish nationalism, with each region having its own unique history, traditions, and cultural practices. Moreover, the contributors highlight the role of religion in shaping Spanish nationalism, particularly in the aftermath of the Spanish Civil War and the Franco regime. They explore how religious beliefs and practices have been used to justify political ideologies, promote national unity, and maintain social control.

Despite the political nature of Spanish nationalism, cultural history provides a valuable lens through which to understand its complexities and nuances. By examining the cultural artifacts that have shaped Spanish nationalism, historians can gain a deeper appreciation of the historical, social, and cultural factors that have contributed to its development. Moreover, cultural history allows for multiple interpretations and perspectives on Spanish nationalism, as it recognizes the diversity of experiences and perspectives within the Spanish population. In conclusion, the history of twentieth-century Spanish nationalism is a complex and multifaceted narrative that encompasses political, social, and cultural dimensions. By examining Spanish nationalism through the lens of cultural history, Metaphors of Spain offers a valuable contribution to our understanding of this phenomenon. Through a diverse range of cultural artifacts, the contributors to this book provide a nuanced and multifaceted portrayal of Spanish nationalism, highlighting its dynamic and evolving nature, the role of regional identities, and the impact of religion on its development. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of Spanish nationalism and its cultural manifestations.

Weight: 442g
Dimension: 151 x 229 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800730205